The scope of empirical narratology

Abstract

Abstract The article, on the “scope of empirical narratology”, offers a survey of the emerging field of empirical narratology, which arguably originates with the publication of Psychonarratology (Bortolussi and Dixon 2003). To situate empirical approaches in narratology, the article first outlines the current discussion in the field, which is divided as to whether empirical methodologies represent a un‑/helpful addition to the discipline. After that, three major methods of conducting empirical research in narratology are introduced: i. e., a qualitative, quantitative / corpus-based, and quantitative / experimental approach. Each method is discussed and illustrated with a model study from current research. Finally, the article suggests topics for further investigation in the empirical paradigm. By presenting tenets and study models for empirical narratology, the article hopes to highlight its attractiveness for narratology at large, and to advance the developing framework.